Margaret O’Rourke has been named mayor-elect and Rod Fyffe the city’s first deputy mayor-elect.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The councillors will be installed in their new roles at a special meeting on November 15.
Cr O’Rourke was elected to council on a platform of developing a strong and prosperous future for Greater Bendigo that encourages industry and job development, developing a retail sector for the municipality, and ensuring urban and rural communities are better connected to new technology.
She has extensive leadership experience and is currently a deputy director at the Bendigo Kangan Institute and director at Goulburn Murray Water and Bendigo Health Care Group.
Her previous roles include Chair of Bendigo TAFE and a Director for the Tasmanian Ports Corporation and Bendigo Business Council.
“I am humbled to have been elected as mayor by my fellow councillors and I look forward to making a valuable contribution to the community and leading a wonderful group of people who are excited to work together for the benefit of Greater Bendigo,” Cr O’Rourke said.
“I will bring my extensive knowledge of Greater Bendigo and previous leadership experience to the role of mayor.
“There is much to be done, including the development of a new council plan, planning for the 2017/2018 Budget, updating the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan, and embedding a number of strategies. The council looks forward to working with the community and listening to them to ensure the needs of all residents are represented.
“I am also pleased to have the support of Cr Fyffe as Greater Bendigo’s first deputy mayor, a position the council felt was important to support the mayor and better represent the council at events the mayor is not able to attend.
“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with Cr Fyffe and learn from his extensive local government experience.”
Cr Fyffe is a four-time mayor whose interests include economic development, the arts, sport and recreation, aged services, youth development, the environment and heritage.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of deputy mayor. It is a great privilege to serve as a councillor and to be a leader in the community. I am honoured to be the first to fill this role and look forward to taking on this additional responsibility and supporting Cr O’Rourke,” Cr Fyffe said.